Micronutrients and Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Chromium

Ju Hee Kang

doi:10.4093/jkd.2016.17.2.112

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Kang: Micronutrients and Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Chromium

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J Korean Diabetes 2016;17(2):112-116.

Published online: 10 January 2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2016.17.2.112

Micronutrients and Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Chromium

Ju Hee Kang

Department of Food and Nutrition, Suwon Women's University, Hwaseong, Korea

Corresponding author: Ju Hee Kang Department of Food and Nutrition, Suwon Women's University, 1098 Juseok-ro, Bongdam-eup, Hwaseong 18333, Korea, E-mail: jhkang@swc.ac.kr

Revised 29 April 2016 Accepted 29 April 2016

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Chromium (Cr) is a mineral that humans require in trace amounts, however its mechanisms of action in the body and the exact amounts needed for optimal health are not well defined. Cr has long been of interest for its possible connection to various health conditions. Among the most active areas of Cr research is for its use in supplement form to treat diabetes, lower blood lipid levels, promote weight loss, and improve body composition. However, controversy exists as to whether dietary supplementation with Cr should be routinely recommended in subjects. In this paper, we will review the favorable effects of Cr supplementation on glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

Keywords: Chromium, Diabetes mellitus, Insulin resistance

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